Heartbreak for our JC footballers last Sunday, when after leading from start to almost the finish, Ballinacurra struck for 1-1 in the 30th minute to snatch a dramatic victory right at the death. In truth it was 2 incredible scoring bursts at the latter stages of both halves that laid the foundation for this smash and grab. On 20 minutes a great ball from Craig Healy found Fintan Cody who turned and burned his defender before scoring his and Aghada’s second goal. That put us 6 points clear and while that scoreline may of flattered, Aghada were well in the driving seat. Ballinacurra were well in the game possession wise but weren’t finishing off attacks. This changed as the halftime whistle approached, when camped in Aghada territory, they rattled off 5 points in the final 6 minutes to go in at the break just a single point behind with the scoreboard reading 2-3 v 0-8 in Aghada’s favour. Aghada’s 1st goal had come on 8th minutes after a strong run from Oisin Counihan opened up the defence before Charlie Terry teed up Cody to finish well. Terry had the opening 2 points of the game inside 3 minutes and Cody also had 2 from play in the opening moiety as Aghada had strong performances from Vince Rohan, Stephen Daly and Ciaran Galligan.

Again Aghada started the brighter as the second half got under way. The impressive Cody pointed from play inside a minute. Next Sean O Callaghan was strong under the kickout and broke cleverly to Terry. He in turn found Counihan who kicked a fine score on the run. Soon after Craig Healy burst through on goal and shaved the upright with a good goal attempt. The play was called back for an earlier free and Cody pointed from the placed ball and the lead was out to 4 points. Ballinacurra came more into the game and from frees and play they hit 4 points from here to the water break. Fintan from a free and another placed ball after Counihan was pulled down when through on goals, kept the Aghada noses in front. Just after the water break good work from Galligan and Jack Corkery saw Vince Rohan win a free which Charlie converted from distance. That 3 point lead stayed intact until the 24th minute when Ballinacurra pointed, and so began another scoring burst. They hit 2 more on the 26th and 28th minutes and the sides were level heading down the final stretch. Fintan Cody again pointed from play and Aghada were 1 clear. But Ballinacurra were well in the ascendency by now and looked the more likely and so it transpired when they scored 1-1 as the clock hit injury time. Aghada kept going right to the end and came searching for the goal to send the game to extra time but our opponents stood firm and held on for the win. It was tough on our lads but all credit to this group who gave a great account of themselves all year.

Aghada Team and Scores – John Manning (capt), Alan Walsh, Michael Gilroy, Jack Corkery, Darragh Ryan, Ed Leahy, Sean Byrne, Ciaran Galligan, Sean O Callaghan, Vince Rohan, Oisin Counihan (0-1), Stephen Daly, Craig Healy, Charlie Terry (0-3, 1f), Fintan Cody (2-6, 3f). Subs Used – Sean Og O Keeffe, Rob Whelan, Ben Walsh.